From Mother Jones · Sophie Hurwitz · · 1m 20s
Trump Announces $4 Billion Aid Cutoff to Israel
Trump claims US will stop $4 billion in aid to Israel by year-end, but experts say it's a PR move to avoid Democratic criticism.
In brief
Trump claims US will stop $4 billion in aid to Israel by year-end, but experts say it's a PR move to avoid Democratic criticism. Trump announced ending US military aid to Israel by year-end, but experts say it's a rebranded aid program with less oversight. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Trump's Election Day Announcement
Trump announced on Fox & Friends that the US would cut $4 billion in aid to Israel by year-end.
“We have a helper, and it’s Israel because, you know, we are the big, they are the small.”
Trump's Ambiguous Cutoff
Trump did not specify whether the $4 billion cutoff applied to military aid or cash payments.
“We’ll help Israel if they need it.”
Experts Say Aid Continues
Experts say the US will continue funding Israel through rebranded 'joint defense partnerships' with less congressional oversight.
“American taxpayers will almost certainly be paying more money, but with even less congressional oversight.”
Senate Bill for Repackaging Aid
A Senate bill would reframe US aid to Israel as a defense industrial partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Defense.
“establish a cooperative program, with the concurrence of Israel’s Ministry of Defense (MOD), to develop and deploy advanced technologies for countering unmanned systems that threaten the United States and Israel.”
Netanyahu's Proposed Shift
Netanyahu suggested Israel taper direct US military aid over the next decade and shift to joint weapons research.
“Israel should taper off direct US military assistance over the following decade.”
Trump's Election Strategy
Trump announced the aid cutoff as a final election pitch to counter Democratic criticism of US aid to Israel.
“You know, it’s too easy. It’s almost too easy a target.”
Experts Question Impact
Experts say Trump's announcement is unlikely to affect the election due to its timing.
“I didn’t expect him to do it on Election Day. If he wanted to have an impact, it’s getting a little late.”
In short
Trump announced ending US military aid to Israel by year-end, but experts say it's a rebranded aid program with less oversight.
